Celebration is May 3 from 9a.m. – 1 p.m. in downtown Frankfort

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear today encouraged Kentuckians to attend the 78th annual Governor’s Derby Celebration in historic downtown Frankfort. The event will be held tomorrow, Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“We are delighted to host visitors once again to our historic capital city for the 78th Governor’s Derby Celebration,” Gov. Beshear said. “Downtown Frankfort has a fantastic mix of prominent landmarks, unique shops and charming restaurants that makes it the perfect backdrop for this family-friendly and time-honored event.”

“There’s no better way to get in to the Derby spirit than to kick off Derby day with the food, activities and entertainment at the Governor’s Derby Celebration,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Steve and I encourage Kentuckians to bring their friends and families and join in the excitement that downtown Frankfort has to offer on Derby morning.”

Visitors can expect the traditional fare of past Derby Celebrations such as a farmers’ market, a variety of arts and crafts, specialty vendors, children’s activities, Kentucky Horse Park trolley rides, live music on the Jim Beam Entertainment Stage and the annual stick horse race.

Many downtown Frankfort restaurants and stores will be open with unique Derby offerings during the celebration. Visitors will also be able to tour the Capital City Museum, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion, which are all located downtown.

For the first time, the First Christian Church on the corner of Ann Street and Broadway will have breakfast items for sale, including sausage biscuits, pastries, coffee and juice. And as in past years, they will offer pony rides, a jumbo inflatable slide, an inflatable play place for toddlers, face painting, crafts and games.

DERBY ART EXHIBITThe State Capitol building will be open Saturday morning for visitors to view the Governor’s Derby Art Exhibit, displayed in the rotunda. The exhibit is sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council and features works by 27 Kentucky artists. For a list of artists and more on the exhibit, visit http://governor.ky.gov/derbycelebration/Pages/artexhibit.aspx.

GENERAL INFORMATIONParking for the event will be available off-street and in several open lots located in downtown Frankfort. More information on the event, including a complete entertainment schedule, is available at http://governor.ky.gov/derbycelebration/.